In this column, Bizkids, we will feature interviews with successful entrepreneurs and various professionals and share their advice to aspiring kids with entrepreneurial spirits. To send in your questions or advice, email cindy-jenkins@beijing-kids.com.

Schools are increasingly placing greater importance on improving the public speaking skills of their students, and parents are also taking note of just how critical of a skill it can be in developing the social and academic growth of their children. With that in mind, Bizkids interviewed three experts in the field of public speaking to share their ideas and opinions about the importance of public speaking for children, and what it takes to become a more effective public speaker.

This week, we have invited Tania Boicova to share her ideas. Tania Boicova is an educator focused on helping young learners (age 4-12) to develop leadership skills by using drama and public speaking. She’s been working with thousands of students across Beijing and has more than eight years of experience in teaching, facilitating, and consulting. Being a part of the largest European student union (AEGEE-Europe), she has worked with diverse youth groups back in Europe, and this led her to continue her work in China in 2012 when she joined a UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers project in Beijing, Shandong, and Jiangxi organized by the Chinese Society of Education (CSE). She has represented CSE at an international conference on volunteering & intercultural dialogue in Saudi Arabia in 2013.

Beijingkids (BJK): What would you say are the most critical elements that someone should learn to become more skilled in this area?
Tania Boicova (TB): I believe that’s regular practice speaking in front of an audience. In fact, especially at the beginning, it doesn’t really matter where and when, and how many people you are presenting to. I remember myself as a kid performing my favorite poem anywhere I went, even at bus stops, on the train, and while visiting my family or friends. I often took part in public speaking contests at school. Despite the fear (that was there every single time), my skills got better and better through time.

BJK: Do you believe that there is a growing tendency (among adults and kids) to communicate through social media or other digital platforms and that this has damaged our ability to communicate publicly?
TB: I believe social media has a huge impact on kids. There was no social media or even mobile phones when I was a child, so we had no choice but to communicate with each other face to face. Therefore, we grew up and developed our ability to communicate publicly quite naturally. Most kids now have their own mobile phone, and they often spend hours playing games or talking through social media. It definitely has an impact on their interpersonal communication skills since they can’t hide their true appearance and identity behind a “profile photo” and nickname.

BJK: What are some simple things parents can do to help their kids build foundational skills in public speaking outside of school?
TB: There are many things parents can actually do. They can help them practice public speaking at home or anywhere they go together. It can be done by way of a game or competition among family friends (just for fun). I remember that we used to act out different stories or just different characters during my mom’s or dad’s birthday parties. They actually asked me to do all the preparation, but we would act and do the drama part altogether. That was so much fun! When you’re a child and see adults performing “silly things” or making mistakes, you get so much more courage to do things better! What’s more important, you get more courage to be “yourself”, be silly, be crazy, be different, no matter what others think of you. I think this is one of the most important things parents can actually share and help their kids with.

BJK: Finally, what do you feel are the most essential elements towards crafting a good speech and communicating clearly to an audience?
TB: In my opinion, one of the most important elements is to have a clear idea. What do you want to share with the audience? What’s the core message? When it’s clear, it’s not difficult to write down a good speech. When you share an idea that people can relate themselves to (in a very meaningful aspect), you’ll be able to win their hearts. Another very important element is THE WAY you present your speech. How do you transfer that meaningful idea to your audience? Our voice can be very powerful, but so is silence: the pauses in the right places that let your audience think and connect with your words and FEELINGS (emotions). I believe that the most memorable speeches in history were all quite emotional: the ones that can touch people deeply and have an impact on their lives.

KEEP READING: BIBA Students Navigate Resilience and Independence Through Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program

Photo: courtesy of Tania Boicova, unsplash.com

Becoming a confident and adept public speaker is something that many people strive for, but often do not know the first step towards reaching their goal. With that in mind, beijingkids interviewed experts in the field of public speaking, to explore their ideas and opinions about the importance of confident speaking for young people, and some practical steps to take towards acquiring these skills.

This week, we invited Mark Regan to share his ideas. Mark Regan is a dynamic and high-performing business leader with a unique background in advice, business development, sales consulting, training, and broadcasting. With a background in Linguistics and having worked in fields that extensively rely on the need for strong communication abilities, he has developed valuable experience in the skill sets needed for public speaking, negotiation, media presentation, and promotion. Less well known is that Mark is a prominent voice actor; having applied his skills over the last 10 years in a wide range of international commercials, television programs, cartoons, movies, documentaries, and video games.

Beijingkids: What would you say are the most critical elements (or first steps) that someone should learn to become more skilled in this area?

Mark Regan (MR): One critical element to public speaking is confidence. Take in a deep breath, relax, and be yourself when you’re presenting any type of material, in a calm and confident manner; this allows a person to stop focusing on the ‘fear’ of standing in front of an audience, but instead to focus on what they want to say, how they want to say it, and really start to engage an audience.

Confidence takes time to develop, especially when starting out. For people who feel they may lack the confidence to stand up on the stage and present, the advice I offer is simply “pretend you have confidence!”  It sounds a bit silly, but the idea is that you imagine what a confident person would look and sound like, and attempt to emulate that image. Surprisingly, it works very well – and over time, that person can develop their own speaking personality for their public speaking needs.

Many schools are beginning to shift their classroom learning environment from being teacher-led to more student-led, with teachers acting as facilitators. Is this shift helping students to become more confident speakers?

MR: From my perspective and understanding; absolutely!  A teacher-led classroom certainly does have its merits, but more often than not, it’s about following a curriculum designed to prepare students for test-taking.  Some students may engage with the material more than others, while others can simply ‘memorize’ what they need to know and leave it at that.

Transitioning into a more student-led classroom gives both students and the teachers room to expand beyond the curriculum, which in my opinion, is more of a guideline of what important aspects of the class the students should learn about. However, in the student-led model, my view is that the teachers are actively getting the students to engage, expand upon the material, bring new interesting perspectives to the table, and have the opportunity to spin off new classroom and life lessons that, while difficult to strictly measure, build an environment that cultivates personal growth on top of the learning material.

To answer the question: if students are in an environment where they are expected to engage, lead, and perform critical thinking tasks – they naturally will need to speak up more! This helps build confidence in speakers, which is a life skill necessary to tackle most aspects of our daily life and builds a solid foundation for a strong future.  We remember confident speakers, and we tend to forget those who say nothing…

What are some simple things parents can be doing to help their kids build foundational skills in public speaking outside of school?

MR: Encouragement is the single most important thing a parent can do to help their kids build their foundational skills. When we encourage our children, we are telling them it’s OK to explore, it’s OK to try new things, it’s OK to speak up, and it’s OK to be yourself!

The environment we put ourselves within also tends to dictate our responses to the situations we come across. If someone’s daughter has an amazing talent for singing, it’s likely best that we’ll want to put her in an environment that allows that talent to thrive.  If someone’s son is interested in drawing, we should encourage that behavior, because it’s a talent that has drawn (no pun intended) their interest.

Obviously, school and study are important – however, there is much more that makes up a person beyond their technical knowledge and talents. One overlooked aspect is the importance of “soft skills” which are about applying knowledge of various kinds into situations that are more open-ended, such as confidence, inspiration, trustworthiness, effective body language, persuasion, and more. These are character-driven building blocks; which all start with encouragement.

Listen to your kids – they have ideas, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations; and find ways to encourage them to pursue them! Challenge them to think critically about the thoughts they share and above all, help them to believe in themselves – that level of support is of the utmost importance as they are growing up, and will carry them further in school, skill, and life than any amount of homework ever could.

Finally, what do you feel are the most essential elements towards crafting a good speech and communicating clearly to an audience?

MR: Great speeches actively engage their audience; which can be accomplished through a couple of ways and does depend on the ‘mode’ or context of the speech that is being presented. Having a couple of witty jokes or interesting ‘attention-grabbers’ is one way to start off strongly in any presentation, as it will captivate your audience to ‘zero-in’ on what you are saying. Rhetorical questions are another tool often used to put the audience in a position of reflection – to consider what you are saying and why it is important.

When we are communicating to any audience, the first questions we ask ourselves are “what do I want to say” and “why is this important”. Once we can break down those thoughts into answers, our job is to craft the delivery of the information in a manner that any audience would like to listen to. We can do this in several different ways – no single style of public speaking is “correct”, but rather it’s about the “HOW” we say something, and usually that’s what an audience will remember most.

A comedy show must have laughs; a diplomatic discussion needs to be civil; a debate between two opponents should have critical thinking, persuasion, and reflection; a leader should be inspirational…each format will be different, but the same foundational abilities apply throughout every type of speech.

Find your personality, your strength, your style, and character. Be confident, speak clearly, show some emotion, and engage the audience. Remember that what you want to say is important, should be shared, and can make a difference – and to not let all the fear, doubts, and worries hold you back.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MR: Public speaking is easy to do, difficult to master. It’s one of those life skills that we’ll continually use and practice using throughout our entire lives, whether it’s on a big stage or just speaking up in an office meeting.

For those who are worried about what other people may think, my advice is simply “don’t”. Most people are so concerned with their own lives that they’ll seldom think about your actions. Once you realize this, it’s easier to just focus on being the best version of yourself you can be – and in the environment of public speaking, showcase that confidence and personality to your audience.

In fact, you may just end up inspiring others to follow in your footsteps!  When we share our ideas, thoughts, and self with an audience, remember they are all there to see and hear you speak… so give them something to remember!

KEEP READING: Managing the Stress of School WeChat Groups

Photo: courtesy of Mark Regan; Unsplash.com

When I embarked on the journey towards fatherhood in Beijing, I had no idea what to expect. Not only was there the anxiety of doing this in a place like Beijing, although I had already been here for three years, but also rearing a child in these uncertain times. While this pretty much ruled out the option of moving back stateside, my wife and I were content with our lives in China’s capital.

At the time, I was the Nightlife and Culture editor for the Beijinger, a DJ on the weekends, a moderately successful voice actor for films and TV, and I loved that I was able to mix all of these different careers and side-hustles and start saving some money. I was fairly certain I would be in Beijing for the rest of my life and that I could create a comfy environment for my family and myself in this city over time through continued learning and working my butt off.

After the birth of my son Victor, I became the Managing Editor of beijingkids. It was through my work here that I learned that Beijing is actually a great place to raise kids. It’s safe in comparison to many other cities around the world, and at-home childcare is relatively cheap. Moms are also given a generous maternity leave, while dads are also entitled to a paternity leave to help out during the week or sometimes weeks after the baby comes. This is miles ahead of what you would find in America, where we are usually immediately back to work following a birth, but still behind areas of Scandinavia where equality between the sexes is considered more comprehensively.

But, like most countries with a booming economy and a rising cost of living, work commitments can often take control. This ability for me to pile on work, while good in many respects as we needed the money, also became problematic. It meant longer working hours. It meant always being at the beck and call of the whims of multiple employers. But with the desire to send my child to an international school on the horizon, no opportunity could be ignored. All of these things result in a considerable amount of stress for many parents living in the capital.

A Beijing survey office of the National Bureau of Statistics revealed in March, 2019 that the average working day for Beijingers was about 8.6 hours, just above 42 hours per week. The average of China as a whole sits at around 44.7 hours per week according to the China Labour Dynamics Survey, published by Sun Yat Send University. That puts China at the top of a long list of countries based on data compiled from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), just above Mexico, Costa Rica, and South Korea.

As an added note, and not to throw any shade, Germany ranked last on the OECD list with 26 hours per week, but for good reason. There are initiatives being created in the country to allow millions of Germans to have 28 hour work weeks to spend more time with their families.

This sort of work/parenting balance is something that has been troubling me considerably lately. I would often wake up around 5.30 am, do some work before breakfast, shower up and walk to work, do part-time gigs during lunch, and get home at 7pm. Tired and mangled by the stresses of the day, copy deadlines, and monotonous tasks, I would arrive home a zombie. I could only eat dinner and maybe entertain my son for a couple of hours before putting him to bed and usually passing out in the process. All the while, the weekends were normally spent voice acting or DJing at night, and only occasionally recuperating from the intense workload I had allowed myself to take on Monday through Friday.   

My wife was also working a full-time job with abnormal hours; sometimes during the day, sometimes at night, and almost always on the weekends. We were only completely together as a family a couple of waking hours every week. At some points I convinced myself that this was only temporary, and that I would one day find “one job” that would cover all of our needs. But we soon came to realize that this was a gamble and would likely never fully cover the growing costs that Beijing continues to demand.

Something that’s often unspoken but widely known among expats in Beijing is that unless you are a foreigner with some sort of relocation package, living a normal life with the same advantages you were given as a child is pretty difficult. However, it is by no means impossible. So we continued to hope for a change.

All the while, so much about my job with this magazine was learning about what it means to be an effective parent, but I constantly lacked the time to implement anything in my own home. I knew this wasn’t going to change, especially when my son started preschool with a monthly tuition of around RMB 11,000.

Some call it burnout. But it was also something more. I was feeling guilty about not being able to put into practice all of the parenting tools I had accumulated; guilty about relying so much on hired help to do a satisfactory job of watching over my child throughout these early years. Being on the phone replying to messages late into the night was not the example I wanted to set for my son.

I want to play an integral role in my son’s development into an empathetic, intelligent, and, most importantly, happy child. I want to help him understand the world we are living in and give him the tools necessary to thrive. This won’t happen if I’m unable to balance work with life, and while I’m well aware that I’m not the only father in Beijing or the rest of the world going through this at the moment, it was a major factor regarding why my wife and I decided to hit the restart button and leave Beijing for a place that is more affordable.

We all know the tired cliché that dads belong at work, but I can no longer neglect the fact that my son needs me. He needs me to help him navigate this complicated and sometimes scary world we are living in. How else is he going to learn about what it means to be a man, or, more importantly a decent human being? So many of the pitfalls regarding toxic masculinity seem to stem from these developmental years and a lack of positive guidance. Even as an adult, this is something I’m still learning about and trying to reprogram about myself. As dads we need to understand how essential we are to our children, and that no amount of money can buy back the time we lose by not maintaining a proper balance to prepare them for whatever the future might bring.

While this will be an emotional departure for me and my family, Beijing will forever be a part of our identity. This city and the experiences I’ve gained here have taught me that being a good dad isn’t about working yourself to death to provide. It’s more important to be present and a willing participant in overcoming all of the challenges that family life may bring.

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2019 Beijing Baba issue

Pets live in a world of their own. Yes, they can meow or bark to their heart’s content, and we can sometimes surmise their meaning, but we ultimately have no idea what is actually going on inside their cute, furry heads. What do they think of their position and status in these environments that are forced upon them? Do they prefer wet or dry food? Who were they rooting for in the last season of Rupaul’s Drag Race? These were all questions that we were dying to ask, but, most importantly, we wanted to get their stories and find out how these animals found their adopted families.

We decided to get on all fours and do our best to put these perspectives into words (not just barks or meows), and examine the nitty-gritty details of these familial bonds. It was a lengthy and complicated process interviewing these companions, and we won’t bore you with the entire process, but Siri was a massive help with translating. For brevity’s sake, let’s just skip straight to the groundbreaking, if not miraculous, results.

Bluey Gillespie

I’m only four years old, but I am wise beyond my years. I’ve grown up surrounded by a beautiful, loving family that practices the peaceful self-defense art of Aikido. I remember that day four years ago when they picked me up. I was nervous, but leaped at the opportunity, immediately landing in six-year-old Isla’s bag and ready to go to my forever home. I have since been showered with attention and treats by the Gillespies.

The skills I have gleaned from constant Aikido training with Isla allows me to slip out of any prickly situation with ease. I reciprocate this tutelage with hours of cuddles and by being a trusted confidant and friend. Most people say that I act like a dog, but this little lady just brings these uncharacteristically canine attributes out in me. But, like a cat, I always land on my feet! This couldn’t be more evident than in my choice of the Gillespie family.

Luna London-Mason

Sup y’all! I’m Luna, and I’m the sassiest pup in Lianbao Garden. As an exotic mix of many sought after street breeds, I’ve been gifted with a particular je-ne-sais-quoi exterior that’s led to a moderately successful modeling career. Life has been good to me so far being a part of the London-Mason tribe. I was picked up at a shelter four and a half years ago by this lovely family, and have since become the go-to creature in the family for a quality cuddle. I’ve taken a liking to my human service team. When I’m not claiming couch space, or provocatively sprawled across an antique tribal kilim rug, I try to maintain a healthy diet that goes beyond the essential proteins and includes a healthy dose of cucumbers and carrots. When I go outside, you better watch out! Yeah, I’m talking to you, Ginger and Sarah! Just kidding. We just need to parley about a few things, but it’s probably best that we keep the leashes on just in case the peace process gets heated.

Toby and Princess Stewart-Yates

We began life in a complicated household, where our primary caregivers were often living abroad. Toby and I were left in the care of an ayi who was not committed to giving us the time and attention that we craved. It was difficult, but we were patient that our situation would soon improve. Luckily we were introduced to Janice, Nick, and Dylan, and decided it would be a fortuitous union. Since joining their family, they have given us a home filled with love and compassion, and we have tried to return their affection with loads of pleasureful grunts and slobbery pug kisses. We feel that we are pretty successful in this respect. Between cuddle sessions, we enjoy pulling out and cozying up with whatever cashmere items we are able to get our tiny paws on. Let us indulge in a slice of smoked salmon, and we will be best friends for life!

Ginger Sadie and Sarah Bridget Lindner

I’m Ginger, and this is my sister Sarah. We are a dynamic duo of twin teddy poodles and rule the yard of the Lianbao Garden compound with our ultimate cuteness and fierce (when we need to be) temperament. We may be tiny, but we are very mighty. We love our two compatriots, and partners in crime, Elliot and Monty. Together we run around the neighborhood in search of things to smell. Elliot and Monty don’t usually partake in the smelling, but often let us do our business without too much interference. When we are good protectors of our humans, we are rewarded with bones dipped in peanut butter. For some odd reason, giving us a dollop of this thick substance is humorous to our masters. That’s OK though, because Sarah leaves secret “number ones” in mom and dad’s bedroom, which is hilarious to us.

Baiselong

Hello, plebs. When I’m not maintaining my overlord status in my human/feline domain, I’m plotting my imminent return to power over the provincial cat kingdom. After my supreme power was taken from my family in a kitty coup, at two weeks old, I found myself living on the streets. But, luckily, when all hope was lost and I was hiding behind a pile of bricks about to resign myself to nature’s will, I was saved and adopted by Adam and Savy. It was through their tender care that I was able to recover my strength and start planning my rise to power. Although lately, I’ve been very content with my current post as the supreme leader of this quaint household. I am perpetually showered with treats and objects of affection. I think humans refer to these items as “toys.” Whatever they are, they are mine, and I don’t like to share. I respect Savy and Adam for their work adopting others of my species and helping kitties who are in need, as long as my authority is never questioned and my rule over this tiny realm not challenged.

This article appeared in the beijingkids October 2019 Family Foodies issue

It’s happened to most long-term Beijing expat families at some point: you’ve had a stable job that you’ve enjoyed for over a year, the kids are learning Mandarin at a steady pace, a few Xiaomi air purifiers are humming throughout the rooms of your apartment, and that desire to further nest and nurture comes through. Maybe it’s time to take in a furry friend or three, but first, let’s familiarize ourselves with the rules. And there are a few.

Pet ownership, like many other fairly innocuous things in the West, is highly regulated in China. There’s a recent historical precedent for this. For a decade, from 1983 to 1993, private dog ownership was banned outright throughout China due to rampant cases of rabies, many of which were fatal. China is still considered to have some of the highest number of rabies transmissions worldwide. Due to these understandable concerns, it’s important to stay on top of local and national rules regarding pet ownership, which can change quickly.

What kinds of pets are allowed?

Don’t buy or adopt a pet without knowing if that pet is even allowed to be owned in China. Even animals sold in pet shops are sometimes illegal to own. Never buy endangered or trafficked animals, no matter how adorable. Be smart.

For doggos, only one is allowed to be registered per household. Dogs aren’t registered to an individual, but to an address. If you own more than one dog, this can be a challenge. Although many people with more than one dog register them at petless friend’s addresses, it’s not something we would recommend.

Beijing has no specific list of forbidden breeds,  but dogs of a “large size (or) aggressive breeds” are not allowed inside the eight central districts of Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Haidian, Fengtai, and Shijingshan. Size-wise, any dogs within these districts must be small. A frequently cited measurement for an adult dog is under 35cm from ground to shoulder.

Please note that rules in China are frequently updated or can be abruptly altered. For example, in the coastal city of Qingdao, a recent “one dog policy” has even been enacted with 40 “dangerous breeds” simply banned altogether, and stricter rules can always make their way to the capital.

Make sure to check with a veterinarian about up-to-date rules regarding allowed dog breeds and exotic pets. The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) is considered one of Beijing’s most trusted sources for all things pet related.

How does the registration process work?

Firstly for dogs, obtain an annual, up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate. This vaccine is available at all State Food & Drug Administration (SFDA) certified veterinarians. Prices vary, but ask other dog owners for reputable suggestions. Good veterinarians can also keep you abreast of current pet laws.

Next, register your dog at the correct police station for your area. Usually, this is the same station you’d go to for registering yourself and family when you enter China. Bring your passport, your apartment lease, rabies vaccination certificate, and two identical photos of your dog.

Initial registration is RMB 1,000 and subsequent renewals are RMB 500 each year. Since regulations can change quickly and often, other fees could apply and other documents could be required. Check in at your local PSB beforehand to make sure you have all required documents, or bring a Chinese friend if necessary.

Remember that an annual renewal of your pup’s registration is required. All Beijing dog licenses expire yearly on April 30th, and the annual dog registration periods begin May 1st and ends June 30th. Sometimes free rabies vaccinations are available during these times, so check with your vet.

Cat owners don’t need to register their felines, unless you plan to teach them how to walk on a leash. (We’ve heard this is an uphill battle.)

Where can I take my dog for a walk?

Last month, Beijing’s Gardening and Greening Bureau expanded a blacklist of so called “uncivilized” behavior in public parks. Besides obvious no-nos like fishing, creating loud noise or “digging for wild vegetables,” dog walking was also added, surprising many and sparking debate.

Unfortunately, this government reaction is possibly due to a few high profile dog attacks in recent years. A case of a few rotten apples spoiling the barrel. We hope this can spark the creation of new dog friendly private parks, but in the meanwhile, if your apartment has a shared garden or there is light traffic and wide sidewalks around your home, this will work fine for daily dog walks.

Remember to always leash your dog when out in public; no exceptions.

How do I take a pet out of China when moving?

Once your family’s stint in China comes to a close, it’s time to take your precious pet cargo with you. Moving animals across borders can be a time, but especially money, intensive endeavor. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in your country, and give yourself enough time to finish all the paperwork and pay all the fees you need. Your pet will need a health certificate with proof of vaccination and an exit permit. Additionally, your pet will be quarantined at your expense. Generally speaking, this can all be incredibly pricey.

Depending on where you’re moving to, it can take as little as four months of prep to the E.U. and as much as eight months or more to Australia. Some dog breeds or exotic pets are banned or restricted in some locations, so, like anything in life, it’s best to do research beforehand. Again, here, ICVS is an invaluable resource and hold regular talks on importing and exiting China with pets. Check out their website (icvsasia.com) for more info so that you are not in the dark or forced to go into this lengthy process alone.

This article appeared in the beijingkids October 2019 Best Friends Fur-ever issue

Mom, Sun Ge, went from selling TV shows on the international market to script-writing for them, from the comfort of home in Dongsi. Joel Shuchat is a busy man, constantly working on The Orchid hotel, Toast restaurant, Furongji restaurant, The Bakeshop, and Baojian bar, keeping things tightly fit with never more than a 30cm of wall to separate things. Little Yuanbao (3) loves to eat… a lot!

 Favorite way to transport the family around the city:

Bikes, of course. We have an old Japanese pedal-assist that all the mom’s use over there for kid transportation.

Favorite Spot to Relax:

For us two, at home – we never get to do it that much.

Favorite Weekend Activity:

Vics, otherwise pools, and airports – to other nice places

Favorite Chinese Restaurant:

ZhazhaBistro, or Eyu to Longfu for new, fun flavors; Furongji if you are counting based on the fact that my last 60 meals were there.

Favorite Non Chinese Restaurant:

Saveurs de Coree

Best Daytrip:

Sanlitun

Family Rituals:

Elevators. Yuanbao adores them and makes us ride each one we happen to pass.

Favorite shop for groceries:

Taobao. Each shipment of fruits provides 10x more than necessary for us, so the rest goes in our dehydrator and becomes awesome for snacking.

Favorite place to play indoors:

Legoland in Changying. Yuanbao doesn’t really know how to play with Lego but for some reason he can spend half a day there.

Favorite place to play outdoors:

Yuanbao gets to bike around Ditan a lot. They don’t let us adults do that anymore but as long as one of us is having fun it’s worth it.

Favorite neighborhood:

Having just moved to Dongsi, we are finally straddling both Gulou and Sanlitun equally. So getting a bit of both has been nice.

This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue

Photo credit: Kipp Whittaker

What’s new in international schools this month? Competing with Future Business Leaders, learning campus safety, and more!

Harrow Beijing Appoints New Deputy Head

Harrow Beijing has announced the appointment of Mr. John Barker as Deputy Head. He joins Harrow Beijing from Bavarian International School in Germany where he spent five years as Principal and Deputy Director. Originally from the UK, Mr. Barker is thrilled to be joining the Harrow Beijing community.

3e New Elementary Principal Announcement

3e International School are welcoming a new Elementary Principal, Mr. Jim Fidler. Mr. Fidler has worked as Principal and Assistant Principal in a number of schools in Australia, and spent 17 years at the International School of Beijing (ISB) as a teacher and Assistant Principal.

ISB Showcases Campus Improvements

At the International School of Beijing (ISB), construction over the summer holiday gave rise to new facilities and updates including a bright new façade, and a redeveloped, enlarged elementary school library. The ISB community also looks forward to unveiling its ongoing Facilities Master Plan project, including new arts and theater centers, plus remodels of the Early Years Learning Center and MS/HS Design center. These innovative learning spaces are set to open in 2019 and 2020.

BSB Sanlitun Welcomes New Head of Primary

Ms. Anne Marie Nield is the new Head of Primary and Assessment and Reporting Leader at The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun (BSB Sanlitun). She brings with her 19 years of teaching experience, having taught in two schools in the Middle East as well as for many years in the UK.

BWYA Receives WASC Accreditation

Following an in-depth investigation and visit from the accreditation committee, Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) received full K-12 accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), effective until 2025. BWYA now joins the list of 48 schools in mainland China to have received WASC’s approval. WASC was established in 1962 with the mission of assuring the quality of educational institutions.

First Day of WAB’s 25th Anniversary Year

Celebrating its 25th anniversary year, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) welcomed its students and families for the first day of school on August 14. Innovative new learning spaces throughout campus enhance WAB’s world renowned educational programs.

This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue

PHOTO CREDITS: Courtesy of Harrow Beijing, 3e International School, Hope International School, BSB Sanlitun, BWYA, WAB

In Beijing, we are spoiled for choice over the growing number of high-quality international restaurants introducing their unique flavors to locals and expats. This can be overwhelming when you are just getting to know the city or even your neighborhood. Also, ubiquitous sources like TripAdvisor are notoriously in the dark about what’s not only the latest and greatest in Beijing F&B but also which venues are the stalwarts of the scene. Not to bash the vital work they do globally, but how can they be expected to know where the real foodies go without putting in the legwork. That’s our job!

These listed eateries are not only places that we consider are doing something important on the international food scene and adding to the overall uniqueness of eating out in Beijing, but they are also some of the survivors of the capital’s ever-changing dining scene. Night after grueling night, these restaurants have proven that they are worthy of your patronage by consistently providing some of the most comforting and nourishing foods imaginable. And, it goes without saying that these are just the tip of the iceberg! 

Biteapitta
(Israeli)

This is simple Middle Eastern food, done well. Biteapitta is justifiably famous for their pita bread, into which all manner of delicious things are stuffed, most notably creamy hummus and knobby homemade falafel. Said pita sandwiches are perfect for a grab and go lunch, but those in search of a more substantial meal have plenty to choose from too.

Daily 11am-11pm. 2/F, Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6467 2961) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里2层

Caravan
(Moroccan)

Since opening in 2015, Caravan has established itself as a staple hangout in the old embassy area near Ritan Park. Caravan is a food paradise for those looking for hearty Moroccan staples like Mechoui lamb shank, shakshuka brunches, and couscous Fridays, while also maintaining its place as a music haven when the sun goes down for those that believe that good tunes and open mic nights help with the digestion.

Mon-Sat, 11am-11pm. 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (8563 0801) 光华路44号

Hatsune
(Japanese)

While this place has superb Japanese staples, there is also a hint of Californian flavor here that has made it a Beijing staple on the dining scene since 2001. That’s a very long time in Beijing years! This is where you go if you want some expertly crafted rolls (not doused in mayonnaise), nigiri, and a whole range of other creative dishes that aren’t necessarily traditional, but you can bet will leave you satisfied.

Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. F/3, S8-30, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District (6415 3939) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S8-30

Hon Kaku
(Japanese)

If you are looking for Japanese cuisine that’s authentic yet affordable, this is one of our favorites. Owner, Chef Li Weitao, worked in Tokyo for over eight years before opening Hon Kaku nine years ago, and it has since become a secret destination for both locals and Japanese alike looking for traditional Edogawa Sushi. We recommend the nigiri set menu, which is served with what is likely the best miso soup we’ve ever tasted. But this is honestly just a summary of this spot that needs zero marketing or promotion to boost its business or attractiveness to lovers or great Japanese food.

Daily 5-11.30pm. Rm A101, 1/F, Shifanghaoting, 16 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (8453 1105) 本格, 朝阳区新源里南路15号世方豪庭一层A101

Saveurs de Corée
(Korean)

This Korean gem has bounced around a number of locations in the hutongs but now sits on the second floor of the Rum Copacabana Hotel in Dongzhimen. While many of its recipes are classic Korean fare, it is delightfully sophisticated and lite and proven to be a longstanding favorite for many in the center of the city. While the portions are on the petite side, they do not use MSG, and there are even vegan options to explore for those with dietary restrictions. Budget-conscious diners can also opt for their daily lunch specials between the hours of 11am-2.30pm.

Daily 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm. 2/F, 22 Dongzhimen Bei Xiaojie, Dongcheng District (5741 5753) 东城区东直门北小街22号2楼

Mercante
(Italian)

This restaurant serves up classic homestyle Italian cuisine. A real survivor as they’ve been open and thriving in Fangzhuanchang Hutong for the past seven years despite the great bricking of 2017 and still seem to be thriving in their cozy spot. Mercante specializes in regional cuisine with a focus on signature handmade fresh egg pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, ravioli, tortelloni), use of premium quality Italian cheeses, and cured meat from small producers.

Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng District (8402 5098) 东城区方砖厂胡同4号

Bottega
(Italian)

We love to jokingly consider this place to be a high-end Olive Garden, but it’s actually so much more. Bottega likely gave us our first ever taste of an authentic Napoli Pizza, and henceforth ruined our chances of ever achieving our ideal waistline. Though, in a fight, the perfect pizza will win over the “ideal” figure every time. Make sure to complete this authentic Neapolitan experience with their wagyu beef carpaccio and six-hour-cooked beef ragu rigatoni.

Daily noon-2am. 2/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6416 1752) 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园2层

Side Street
(Indian/American)

We all need some over-the-top comfort food on occasion, but what makes this place so special is its masterful combination of flavors spanning both Indian and American style cooking. You can expect hearty burgers like their K.O. with secret sauce or The Mountain, both of which were created in an ambitious attempt to win this year’s Burger Cup. While sadly Side Street didn’t win, they certainly shot for the moon and landed among the stars of Beijing’s bar food scene.

Daily 5pm-late. 113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District(156 5280 3365) 东城区交道口东大街113-02

Georgia’s Feast
(Georgian)

Georgia’s Feast was a favorite from last year’s Dining Out column in beijingkids. We went there with little knowledge about what to expect from this celebrated Eurasian cuisine, but were delightfully astounded by their spread of brightly colored balls of pkhali; beef baked with tomatoes and mushrooms, topped with cheese; and Tbilisi-style Lamb Shashlik. If you’re looking for something new to spice up your palate, then Georgia’s Feast is a real find.

Daily 11.30am-3pm, 5-11pm. 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8448 6886)格鲁·秀色西餐厅：朝阳区三里屯北小街2号

Pebbles Courtyard
(Mexican)

Pebbles Courtyard is nestled in Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District, and delves into the farther reaches of Mexican cuisine, boldly bringing less familiar dishes and flavors to the plates of Beijingers. If you are a snob about your Mexican food, then this is the place for you. Owner and Head Chef Ray Heng learned his chops from Chicago-based celebrity chef Rick Bayless, who is one of the world’s foremost experts on Mexican cuisine. Start with the tacos (on Taco Tuesday!) using homemade corn tortillas, then work your way through a lengthy list of decadent mains like the Camarones Con Arroz (char-grilled shrimp served with shrimp crackers on rice), or the Carne en su Jugo (flank steak).

Daily noon-11pm. 74 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District (8404 0767) 东城区五道营胡同74号

3 Little Pigs
(American)

Andy Horowitz started his craft sausage business with an RMB 3,000 loan from a friend and has since become a common fixture on the food festival circuit. In 2018 he decided to expand with the opening of 3 Little Pigs, becoming a Beijing favorite for his creative American comfort food. His menu includes his delightfully authentic Rueben sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, and his Beijing-famous burger selection. And yes, here you can still buy some of the best sausages and bacon in the city.

44 Xiezuo Hutong, Dongcheng District (151 0168 5397) 东城区协作胡同44号

Pachapapi
(Peruvian)

Pachapapi wears its Peruvian heart on its sleeve, and nowhere is this more apparent than their choice of décor, which takes its influence from the vibrant aesthetics of Peruvian pop culture. The food ranges from a variety of ceviche to Japanese fusion dishes, also known as Nikkei. Their signature Pacha roll (RMB 78) features shrimp and avocado topped with a heaping mound of squid ceviche, while crunchy quinoa adds textural contrast and a distinctively Andean ingredient. Above all, we’ve always appreciated how they were able to climb from a small pop-up in Guomao to the lively dining institution that it is today.

Daily 11.30am-2pm, 6-11pm (kitchen). Rm 105, 1/F, Jinshang, 20 Xinyuanlixi, Chaoyang District (6461 8968) 朝阳区新源里西20号金尚写字楼1层105室

Photos: the Beijinger, beijingkids

This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue

A few years ago, a Beijing hotpot place went viral when photos surfaced of their bizarre, but oddly hilarious, serving methods for thinly sliced lamb. A bootleg Barbie is plunged into ice and then wrapped carefully in meat.

From gimmicky hot pot place to trendy new fusion Sanlitun eatery to hole-in-the-wall Sichuan fanguanr alike, Chinese culture has always had both a fascination with food and a love of novelty. When you introduce social media and the power of KOLs seeking these odd and over-the-top food experiences, then you have the ability to go from a simple hot pot restaurant to a viral, over-the-top dining experience.

However, sometimes, these food trends can transcend their memeable shock-value, especially if they actually taste good. Here are some samples of a few notable “delicacies,” of which some are definitely treading into new culinary territories, while others might just be trying a bit too hard to become viral and totally ignoring the fact that food ultimately just needs to be delicious.

Durian Pizza

Dairy and durian actually go together like beans and rice, so it’s no surprise that durian pizza is absolutely, officially a thing.

The stinky, divisive combination was originally put together based on trending ingredients and popular food terms on Baidu a few years back by Guangzhou restaurant chain La Cesa. Durian brings to mind stinky gym socks for some, but for fans (myself included) durian has a unique, rich, creamy taste that works for Asian style pizza.

Typically, this pizza is made without tomatoes, just a thick crust, layered with mashed durian and melted processed pizza cheese on top. Many Beijing-based pizza chains are doing their classy take on this divisive pie, but a version sold in Pizza Hut made with “imported Thai durian,” is available, so you can order your shame delivered right to your door.

Mantou Burger

I remember being back home in Florida a few years back during the era of the “food truck” craze. There was an Asian fusion truck that deep-fried soft shell crabs slapped between a doughy, simple mantou steamed bun. The combination of crispy crab, spicy sauce, and the soft bun was irresistible. Apparently, Popeye’s makes something like this in Singapore. If you are looking for a successful version of this trend in Beijing, check out the variety of delicious mantoubaos they’re serving up at De Refter.

In lieu of a traditional baked hamburger bun, mantou burgers are more reminiscent of steamed baozi, but with grilled or fried fillings. Try making these at home with fresh mantou from your local grocery along with your ground beef, or try other sandwich fixings like sweet & sour pulled pork, Korean fried chicken and kimchi, or tofu and peppers.

Slice in half and grill each side, just like you would a sesame seed bun at a cookout. Bonus points if your mantou is homemade and dyed a deep black, a trend that constantly resurfaces by adding flavorless activated charcoal to the dough.

Laoganma Chili Sauce

That ubiquitous jar that’s always resting by the soy sauce in most Chinese homes from college kids to hutong grannies, Laoganma has never gone out of style. Founded twenty years ago by Guizhou noodle shop owner turned multimillionaire Tao Huabi, Laoganma chili flake and peanut sauce and chili black bean sauce (perfect for stir-frying, but less versatile) neatly fit in the more recent rebranding and refocusing efforts of the “made in China” label, like simply showing appreciation for everyday Chinese food products so many people love.

In trendy Chongqing restaurants and Western kitchens alike, this “spicy chili crisp” sauce has even been drizzled on soft-serve ice cream.

Besides a viral video from action star John Cena, Laoganma also provided some very recent inspiration for streetwear brand Opening Ceremony, which featured it on a line of bright red hoodies this year at New York Fashion Week.

White Rabbit Candy

Speaking of Time-Honored Chinese Brands being somehow made into ice cream, enter those simple creamy milk candies, White Rabbit. Those instantly nostalgic candies scattered in bowls during Spring Festival seem to be a much easier sell than chili sauce dumped on soft serve, and the public seems to agree.

Earlier this year for Chinese Lunar New Year, trendy LA ice cream shop Wanderlust Creamery made a few gallons of White Rabbit ice cream, featuring a clever candy wrapper cone in the photos that became an Instagram sensation. Those few gallons sold out quickly, and soon they sold well over a hundred gallons of the stuff throughout February, enough to make it a permanent menu item. It also helps that the graphic design is nothing short of iconic, with its effortless cool vintage red, white, and blue label. You can also find this and the new milk tea variation now in Beijing at Yokikano Tea (White Rabbit Milk Tea and Ice Cream) at SanlitunSoho. We had a try, and frankly, it just tasted like the vanilla soft-serve you could find at any McDonalds.

“Dirty” Buns and Milk Tea

If all this “unicornification” of foods from grilled cheese to Frappuccinos has proven anything (besides that there’s no accounting for taste), it’s that social media influences what we desire to eat. Nothing shows this in quite the same way than the “dirty” trend that especially took off last year and hasn’t stopped, referring both to food that looks questionable and food that could be messy to eat.

This all started with “dirty buns,” made initially at a downtown Beijing bakery in 2017. They were essentially chocolate croissants with chocolate smeared inside and outside, including powdered cocoa on top, ensuring you’ll make a mess no matter how to attempt to eat it. Customers posted selfies of themselves with chocolate streaks on their cheeks, making sales peak.

All this filth was a runaway success, so much so that the “dirty” trend appeared everywhere, gaining particular popularity in bubble milk tea drinks. The dirty milk tea from Lelecha Tea Shop was a particular hit, although it’s simply milk tea, tapioca pearls, and brown sugar syrup.

This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue

Photos: Kipp Whittaker, the Beijinger, Gung Ho! Pizza